Best Plants For Chicago, IL

plants by zone map for Chicago, IL

A variety of plants are suitable for Chicago's climate. According to our data, the growing zone for the area is 6a, with average annual lows of -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Scroll down for a full list of the best plants for Chicago, IL based on our analysis of the region's climate.

If growing food is your aim, vegetables hardy to Chicago include beans, beets and bell peppers, while fruits like apples, apricot and blackberries will flourish.

For flower beds, go with choices like black-eyed susan, bleeding heart and butterfly bush for the best results.

Seed Starting Trays

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.
Reusable Grow Bags

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.

Trees for Chicago

American Elm
Balsam Fir
Black Cherry
Black Walnut
Colorado Blue Spruce
Common Juniper
Dogwood
Eastern Redbud
Eastern White Pine
Honey Locust
Japanese Maple
Northern Red Oak
Norway Spruce
Paper Birch
Pin Oak
Red Maple
Sugar Maple
Sweetgum
White Ash
Yellow Buckeye

Fruits for Chicago

Apples
Apricot
Blackberries
Blueberries
Currants
Elderberries
Figs
Grapes
Hardy kiwi
Mulberries
Nectarines
Peach
Pears
Persimmons
Plums
Quince
Raspberries
Sour cherries
Strawberries
Sweet cherries
Small Greenhouse Kit

Small Greenhouse Kit

Compact greenhouse perfect for small spaces.
Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.

Flowers for Chicago

Black-eyed Susan
Bleeding heart
Butterfly Bush
Columbine.
Coneflower
Daffodils
Daylily
Geranium
Hydrangea
Lavender
Marigold
Pansies
Peony
Rhododendron
Rose
Salvia
Shasta Daisy
Sunflower
Tulips
Zinnia

Vegetables for Chicago

Beans
Beets
Bell Peppers
Broccoli
Carrots
Cauliflower
Corn
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Green Onions
Kale
Lettuce
Peas
Radishes
Spinach
Squash
Swiss Chard
Tomatoes
Turnips
Zucchini

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about plants for your area? Check out our FAQ below for quick answers to common questions about what plants grow best in the Chicago, IL climate.

Some of the best vegetables for Chicago, IL include beans, beets and bell peppers. Other recommended vegetables include Broccoli, Carrots and Cauliflower based on Chicago's USDA hardiness zone.

Map of IL Hardiness Zones

plants by zone map for Chicago, ILChoose plants with your zone in mind

Choosing plants based on the growing zone for Chicago ensures that your plants will be able to survive the lowest annual temperatures in your area of Illinois.

Cluck Around Sign

Cluck Around Sign

Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.
Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

High-capacity watering can with comfortable grip and precise spout.
Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.
Seed Starting Trays

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.
Raised Garden Bed Kit

Raised Garden Bed Kit

Easy-to-assemble raised garden bed for better soil control and drainage.

Best Time to Plant in Chicago

Check the growing calendar for Chicago at the Old Farmer's Almanac to see the best planting times for the region.

Need Gardening Gear?

The Plant Guide Online has selected some of our favorite products to help you with your next growing project. From seed starting trays and fertilizers to decor and lifestyle items, we think you'll love what we've selected.

Large Greenhouse Kit

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.
Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.
Brass Watering Can

Brass Watering Can

Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.
Cluck Around Sign

Cluck Around Sign

Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.
Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Fun and decorative garden sign to add personality to your space.
@@town.primaryImage.altRaised vegetable bed rows in zone 8a

Chicago's Temperature

USDA Growing Zone: 6a

Zip Codes: 60018, 60649, 60641, 60640, 60643, 60642, 60645, 60644, 60647, 60646, 60616, 60617, 60614, 60615, 60612, 60613, 60610, 60611, 60618, 60619, 60631, 60827, 60661, 60660, 60638, 60639, 60634, 60636, 60637, 60630, 60632, 60633, 60605, 60604, 60607, 60606, 60601, 60603, 60602, 60609, 60608, 60106, 60659, 60652, 60653, 60656, 60657, 60654, 60655, 60651, 60623, 60622, 60621, 60620, 60626, 60625, 60624, 60629, 60628, 60707, 60499, 60664, 60666, 60668, 60669, 60670, 60673, 60674, 60675, 60677, 60678, 60680, 60681, 60684, 60685, 60686, 60687, 60688, 60689, 60690, 60694, 60695, 60696, 60699

Longitude: -87.6866

Latitude: 41.8375

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -10 to -5

The USDA growing zone is 6a in Chicago, IL. This is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive, helping to decide what plants would be suitable for the region's climate. According to our records, the average annual extreme minimum temperature in Chicago is -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. If you would like to learn more, visit our page on the growing zone for Chicago, IL.

Map of Chicago

Large Greenhouse Kit

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.
Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

High-capacity watering can with comfortable grip and precise spout.
Worm Composting Kit

Worm Composting Kit

Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.
Brass Watering Can

Brass Watering Can

Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.
Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Complete garden tool set with heavy-duty stainless steel tools for all your gardening needs.

All Towns In IL

Tools You'll Love

The Plant Guide Online has selected some of our favorite products to help you with your next growing project. From seed starting trays and fertilizers to decor and lifestyle items, we think you'll love what we've selected.

Wooden Chicken Coop

Wooden Chicken Coop

Spacious and secure home for your backyard chickens.
Self Watering Plant Pots

Self Watering Plant Pots

Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.
Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Sturdy basket for collecting and carrying your garden harvest.
Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.
Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.

Plants For Other States

Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a button below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.

Alaska Alabama Arkansas Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Iowa Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Maryland Maine Michigan Minnesota Missouri Mississippi Montana North Carolina North Dakota Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico Nevada New York Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Vermont Washington Wisconsin West Virginia Wyoming
Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.
Self Watering Plant Pots

Self Watering Plant Pots

Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.
Brass Watering Can

Brass Watering Can

Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.
Raised Garden Planter

Raised Garden Planter

Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.
Seed Starting Trays

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.

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